

Our debt to the heroic men and valiant women in the service of our country can never be repaid.
Bereavement
It is with deep sadness that the Mokoape family announces the passing of Major General Keith Matila Mokoape, a respected leader and South African National Defence Force major general, and veteran of South Africa's liberation struggle, and former Chief of Military Intelligence of Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK), the African National Congress (ANC) military wing. He passed away peacefully on the morning of Thursday, 16 January 2025, at Netcare Waterfall City Hospital in Midrand.
Born in Wallmansthal, Pretoria, in 1947, Major General Mokoape was a lifelong activist committed to the fight for South Africa's freedom. He was one of the founders of the South African Students’ Organisation (SASO) and a key figure in the Black Consciousness Movement (BCM). In the liberation struggle, he played a pivotal role in the ANC and MK, serving in various capacities. His service extended beyond the liberation struggle, contributing significantly to the development of South Africa’s governance and business sectors, reflecting his dedication to South Africa’s growth and transformation.
Major General Mokoape was honored with the Order of Luthuli in Silver by President Cyril Ramaphosa in 2018 for his outstanding contribution to the liberation movement.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Magirly, and their two children Otsile and Baanetse.
Please find details of the memorial and funeral services below.
Announcements
We will then proceed to Waterfall Cemetery after the service.
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Messages
We'll forever cherish your leadership & contribution.



We are deeply heartbroken to hear about the passing of the General. Although we only recently had the privilege of meeting him during last year’s lobola negotiations, it was evident that he was a man of great strength, wisdom, and deep love for his family. His warmth and genuine presence left a lasting impression on us.
Please know that we are keeping you in our hearts and prayers during this difficult time. May the memories of his love and guidance bring you comfort, and may his legacy continue to shine through your family.
With our heartfelt condolences,
Matshoba and Mayalo family



Ditsala tsotlhe tsa Matila ba a kopaneng le bona ko Alan Taylor Residence ba nkopile go fetisa matshediso.
Kgabo di robale ka ntho lemororo Matila a dumedise kwa gae - Nat Khaole le Bana.
As a man of all seasons, General Keith Mokoape also participated, fully in the affairs of an emerging black farmers' body - Kilimo Co-operative. (Kilimo is a Swahili word for farming). It is thus with a heavy heart that we join many South Africans in mourning this gentle giant who was underutilized by our country and whose full immense contribution to South Africa is yet to be told. General Mokoape was the first to arrive at meetings where he gave important futuristic, inventive and trailblazing inputs. He also took particular interests in the affairs of individual members, always helping how together black farmers can and should break the racial ceiling around land economy. General Mokoape was also interested in the specific issues affecting members, whether from Kwa-Zulu Natal, Gauteng, Limpopo, North-West and the rest of the country. After formal meetings he was at his element when talking about his life story - whether his exploits as a youth while attending primary school in Walmanthal and later high school in Atteridgeville.; as well as when he was a member of the South African Students Organisation (SASO). in particular a meeting in Hammanskraal in 1972, where he proposed the issue of armed struggle, something that led to a long discussion that night with Steve Biko. Kiliomo Co-operative, like the rest of the country has lost a consummate intellectual, a committed patriot whose only desire was the transformation and development of the country. It will be difficult to replace such a great gentle giant.
Go well General.
Sincerely,
Verdell Myburgh
Executive Assistant
Real Leader!
Relevant Teacher!
True & deep Patriot! How you so loved your country & its people...You loved people & you loved life & so it was you quickly got over an angry moment
Intelligent, knowledgeable, but not arrogant; even your advice was always direct yet kind & on point
wide smile & twinkling eyes whenever you talked about the history of the struggle or army or any topic of your interest... and what a vast pool! No wonder you evoked jealousy in some quarters!
Kindness & friendliness: couldn't have wished for a better big brother in Maputo & later in my life
A doting husband & father: many man need to learn from you! The pride in your eyes when you introduced a family member or spoke of one...second to none.
Rest in peace Mr Humble, Mr Walking Google, Mr Energetic (& so we nicknamed you "Sharp -Sharp") our tried & trusted, principled ANC cadre. You sauntered through the eye of the needle!
Robala ka kagiso Cde Keith! Mokgatla!
You shall be sorely missed!
. . . to bind up your broken heart . . . to comfort all who mourn . . . and provide for those who grieve . . . to place a crown of beauty on you instead of ashes . . . the oil of gladness instead of mourning . . . and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair (Isaiah 61:1-2)
Dear Darling Daughter of the most High and family!
Please don’t be afraid to reach out to God every single time you need Him because He loves you! He wants to be there for you.❤️
We will always remember the happiness, positivity, and strength he radiated as he walked among us, and we will continue to honour the paths he taught us to follow—paths that uphold the dignity of our people and our country. His broad smile and infectious laughter will remain etched in our hearts, and his memory will guide us forward.
Our thoughts are with Magirly, Otsile, Baanetse and the family during this incredibly difficult time. Keith was not only an outstanding leader but also a devoted husband and father, and his legacy of love and integrity will live on through you all.
With heartfelt sympathy from all at Singita.
The general will always be an inspiration to me a man of character in a true gentleman he will surely be missed and I am confident that on his next journey he will be happy with open arms by the lights
Sincerely yours
Condolences to the family and MHSRIP.
- Mogau Leshilo
Dudu, Les and family
We will remember the happiness and positivity he spread as he went and walk the paths he taught us to follow, honouring our people and our country.
Deepest condolences to Magirly and family in your loss of an outstanding husband and father.
He will be greatly missed by all who knew and had to opportunity and favour to interact with him . I am saddened and indeed shocked about his passing .
Please pass my condolences to his family and friends .
We fought together, we played together , we studied together , and we laughed together , my brother .
These memories are forever turned to treasure . Go well my brother , go well General.
MHSRIP.
I will always treasure the memories and moments we shared, the last one being our time together as we paid our respects at Dr Motsuenyane’s home last year.
Your legacy is etched deeply in my heart and in the lives of so many.
Rest in peace, Tower. Rest!. 💔🪦🕯️🕊️
To the family, condolences.
Farewell General and thank you.
Hamba kahle Mkhonto
Visit family
Venue: Thaba Tshwane Military City Hall, Centurion
Burial place: Waterfall Cemetery, Midrand
Kindly contact Otsile Mokoape on
on
For media enquiries please contact:
Moipone Malefane on